Page 11 of Fierce Family

“I really could have taken a bus,” I object again, although it’spointless now.

“And I really didn’t mind hanging around.” He places a hand on my lower back and gently guides me towards his Range Rover. It feels protective and my whole body relaxes. I can’t remember the last time I felt protected and it is nice for once to let go.

Just as we buckle up my tummy makes a loud growling noise. I didn’t have a chance to grab lunch at work before the call about Kieran came in.

“Someone’s hungry. I know an amazing pub on the way back if you want to stop?” His eyes find mine and suddenly the car feels a lot smaller.

“Oh, I’m sure you have better things to do having already wasted the whole afternoon on your day off.” I object but pub food sounds amazing. Much nicer than the leftovers waiting for me at home.

“Actually, taking a beautiful woman out for dinner sounds just about perfect to me,” he winks. Okay, that was a cheesy line but it gave me butterflies nevertheless.

Josh whistles along to the song on the radio as we head out of Keswick towards Fellside. It’s raining, and the clouds make it appear darker than it should be at six in the evening in August. About halfway back to Fellside, Josh turns off the main road and follows a short winding lane into the hills to a small hamlet where he parks outside a pub called the King’s Boar.

“I’ve never been here.” I admire the charming pub with flower boxes and whitewashed walls.

“And you call yourself a local?” he chuckles. “To be honest, I only know about it because one of my brothers owns it.”

Okay… he brought me to his family’s pub.I can’t help but wonder if it means anything.It probably doesn’t. Of course it doesn’t.

“He and his wife bought it three years ago and turned it into a local gem. Most tourists don’t know about it and he doesn’t mind, he gets enough business from the locals.” His hand lands on my back again as he guides me through the door and the simple touch causes thousands of butterflies in my tummy. Anyone who sees us could take us for a couple.Why does that idea make me feel all giddy?

Cheerful laughter greets us as we enter, and even this early in the evening the pub is almost full. The chunky oak tables, dark wooden beams and stone walls give it a cosy but nostalgic feel. It’s not one of these modern, clean gastro pubs; it has charm and history. Josh’s brother has done a great job in highlighting the old features of the building and giving it a new life. I especially love the massive fireplace. It looks dark and formidable now but I bet it’s an amazing sight during the winter with a roaring fire.

“Josh!” A tall blonde whizzing by with an empty plate in her hand, places a kiss on his cheek. “The family table is free,” she points towards the back of the pub where a round table with a sign saying “Madden” is empty.

“Thanks! Meg, this is my... friend Sheila. Sheila, this is my sister-in-law Megan,” he introduces us. I give her a smile and she grins back.

“About time you brought afriendround,” she giggles, “Nice to meet you, Sheila,” she welcomes me before heading off towards a door marked kitchen.

I slide onto the bench surrounding half of the round table and Josh slides in next to me. I relax when the warmth radiating from his body engulfs me.What is it that makesme feel so trusting and protected?I resist the urge to snuggle up to him and instead remind myself that I’m a bloody grown up and should behave like one.

“What are you having?” I ask as I pull the menu from the condiments tray in the centre of the table.

“I have no clue but also no choice,” he chuckles.

Before I can ask what he means a guy in chef’s whites carrying two large plates steps up to the table.

“Here you go.” He places the plates in front of us. I see juicy beef, chicken, something that looks like mac and cheese, chips and a healthy helping of vegetables.

“Hi I’m Jimmy, this one’s brother.” He holds out his hand to me. Now I can see the resemblance, although his eyes are blue and not brown like Josh’s. The brothers are also built differently. Josh is lean but with just the right amount of muscle, Jimmy has one of these hot dad bods that make woman go crazy. But they definitely have the same cheeky smile.

“Sheila; nice to meet you,” I reply before looking back to the mountain of food in front of me.

“If you’re vegetarian, let me know and I’ll put you a plate together without meat,” he grins.

“Maybe she’d like to order from the menu,” Josh objects, but his smirk tells me he’s just teasing his brother.

“Nonsense, family get the family special,” Jimmy laughs. “Or would you like—”

“No absolutely not, this looks delicious.” I’m salivating and can’t wait to dig in.

“See,” Jimmy points at me triumphantly. “What can I get you to drink?” I order a glass of wine and Josh a shandy, probably because he’s driving.

“Coming up,” he replies before leaving us to our meal.

“I don’t know where to start. It all looks so good.” I take the first forkful of mac and cheese and moan. “Oh my god, your brother is a genius.” My praise makes Josh smile.

“Growing up Jimmy hated sports and he still sucks at football. He spent his time helping mum cook and never wanted to do anything else. He worked in France and Austria for a while, and then in some fancy-pants places in London and Edinburgh. After he got married, he came back here and bought this pub. His cooking is what keeps this place so busy despite it being out of the way.” Josh dips a chip in mayo.

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